The US Drought Monitor’s latest weekly report puts most of Lake and Mendocino Counties in the category of exceptional drought. That report also adds Napa and Marin counties to the exceptional drought zone. That is the highest of the five conditions of dryness. Much of the rest of California is now considered in extreme drought—one
designation below.
The exceptional drought is already stressing out the Eel River and surrounding waterways. The Eel River Recovery project says a river survey between the headwaters above Willits and Outlet Creek turned up only two fish. Other tributaries showed a similar lack of fish and no spawning because of low water. There were also several areas where algae blooms had choked out marine life. Those blooms can decrease oxygen, raise acid levels, and potentially turn the water toxic. The project says it all means that unless there is some unseasonal late spring or early summer rainfall, Tenmile Creek could dry up later in the summer. You can find out more about the health of the watershed on the website eelriverrecovery.org.
Lakeport wants residents to conserve water as the drought continues. The city relies on groundwater wells and treated water from Clear Lake for its supply. Both sources could be impacted if the dry conditions go on. Lakeport would like to see each customer voluntarily cut back by 15 to 20 gallons a day. Conservation tips include taking shorter showers, flushing the toilet less, watering plants less, and letting lawns go brown. The city website has more ideas on how you can save.
A Bay Area food truck and catering company wants to join with Mendocino County restaurants, anticipating what could be a long fire season. Off The Grid says its goal is to bring wholesome food to people who need it during fires and other disasters. The company also says it wants to boost local businesses when they are struggling too. Off the Grid wants to add more than 200 Food Responders across California, including in Mendocino County, bringing its fleet of small food businesses to more than 400. Those Food Responders could include restaurants, food truck operators, catering businesses, and cottage food purveyors. The company has already received national recognition for its program. You can find out more about that program on the website Offthegrid.com.
Governor Newsom has extended an executive order to prevent price gouging in counties affected by last year’s wildfires. His order includes Mendocino County. It will stay in place until September 22nd. Price-gougers could face heavy penalties.
The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors, County Behavioral Health Advisory Board, and County Measure B Oversight Committee will sit down together next week. That meeting is Monday afternoon at 1:00 PM and goes until 5:00 PM. The agenda includes discussion about whether or not to move ahead with a possible Mental Health Facility. Former Sheriff Tom Allman criticized the lack of action on mental health issues this week. He thinks the county has not done enough since voters overwhelmingly approved Measure B to pay for mental health services in 2017. The meeting will be virtual with no in-person public comment, but those interested can sign up to make online remarks through the county website. The session will also stream live on the county YouTube channel.
The Clearlake City Council has voted to move ahead with plans for a housing development on Burns Valley Road. That 50 million dollar project could mean as many as 84 multi-family homes. The council approved a negotiating agreement with the developer, Danco
Communities. The homes would go up on a 5-acre tract that is part of a larger 31-acre property the city closed escrow on in December. The city is also looking into a sports complex and a new Public Works yard on that land. Danco says its plans include mixed-use housing between one and four bedrooms. The firm says it plans to apply for disaster tax credits to cover most of the cost. The council approval vote was unanimous.
The Lake County Smart Start Bright Future initiative gets a virtual kickoff next month. State Senator Mike McGuire and Hope Rising of Lake County will outline plans for the program on June 4th. McGuire told the county Board of Supervisors this week that Smart Start Bright Future could make a huge difference to young people and their families. The event will focus on 4 parts of the initiative. They include a Smart Start Eligibility wizard, a resource navigator, academic-based after-school programs, and a platform for college success for high school graduates. While that meeting is free, signup is required. The website is smartstartbightfuture.eventbrite.com. The Hope Rising Facebook page also has more information.
Vendors who want to sell food and non-alcoholic drinks at summer events in Ukiah can register for spaces starting June 1st. Those happenings include Sundays in the Park Concerts, Moonlight Movie Madness, and PumpkinFest The city says the best vendor spots get filled fast so if you are interested in being a concessionaire, it’s a good idea to sign up early either online or at the Community Services Department. The first concert of this season will be held Sunday, July 11th in Todd Grove Park, the first movie available will be Friday, July 9th at Anton Stadium, and PumpkinFest will be held October 15th – 17th. The outdoor events themselves won’t require masks, but patrons will have to mask up when waiting in line for food.
The Konocti Unified School District has named its classified employee of the year. Juan Hernandez is Lower Lake High School’s campus supervisor. His co-workers say Herandez stands out because of his positive demeanor and professionalism. The district also honored 9 other classified employees from each of the district school sites. Superintendent Becky Salato says those workers are the glue that keeps their schools together. The District website has the entire list.
